LSAT：The Complete Guide
LSAT, Complete Guide | LoSimplifica← Exam guides
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By LoSimplifica · Updated June 2026 · 10 min read
⚠️
Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
$248 USD
+ $215 CAS subscription
Register with
In this guide
- What is the LSAT?
- Format and sections
- Scoring explained
- What top law schools require
- Test dates and scheduling
- Planning around your application deadline
- Cost and registration
- Official and third-party prep resources
What's changed recently
- Logic Games removed (2024), The Analytical Reasoning section was eliminated following an ADA lawsuit. Many prep books and courses are now outdated.
- Two Logical Reasoning sections, LR now makes up the majority of your score. Mastering argument structure is more critical than ever.
- Moving to in-person only (August 2026), LSAC is ending remote online proctoring for most US administrations. Test center planning is now essential.
- Check your prep materials, Any LSAT book or course published before 2024 may include Logic Games content that is no longer on the exam. Verify before investing time in outdated material.
1. What is the LSAT?
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is the standardized exam required for admission to nearly all ABA-approved law schools in the United States and Canada. It is administered by LSAC (Law School Admission Council).
Unlike the GRE or GMAT, the LSAT is specifically designed to assess the reading, reasoning, and analytical skills needed for success in law school, not general academic aptitude or business skills. It is the most important single factor in most law school applications, often weighted more heavily than GPA.
LSAT scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. You can take the LSAT a maximum of 5 times in any 5-year reportable period, and 7 times in your lifetime.
Important 2026 change: Starting with the August 2026 LSAT, LSAC is moving to in-center testing for nearly all US administrations. Online remote proctoring will be significantly reduced. If you were planning to take the LSAT from home, check lsac.org for the latest delivery options for your test date.
2. Format and sections
The LSAT consists of multiple-choice sections completed in one sitting, plus a separate unscored writing component. See the official LSAC format page for full details.
| Section | Questions | Time | Scored? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | ~24–26 per section (×2 sections) | 35 min each | Yes |
| Reading Comprehension | ~27 questions | 35 minutes | Yes |
| Unscored (Experimental) | Varies | 35 minutes | No |
| LSAT Argumentative Writing | 1 essay | Separate, online | No (sent to schools) |
Total testing time: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes for the multiple-choice portion. The unscored experimental section can appear anywhere in the exam, you won't know which section it is.
What each section tests
- Logical Reasoning (×2): The largest portion of your score. Each question presents a short argument and asks you to analyze it, find the assumption, strengthen or weaken it, identify a flaw, or draw an inference. Critical thinking is the core skill.
- Reading Comprehension: Four passages (one comparative set of two shorter texts) with 5–8 questions each. Law-related topics: humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law. Tests your ability to understand dense, complex text under time pressure.
- LSAT Argumentative Writing: Completed separately online before your score is released. You respond to a prompt by constructing and defending a position. Unscored, but sent directly to every law school you apply to. Admissions committees do read it.
Logic Games are gone. The Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games) section was removed from the LSAT in 2024 following an ADA accessibility lawsuit. The exam now has two Logical Reasoning sections instead. If you used older prep materials, make sure they reflect the current format.
For non-native English speakers: Reading Comprehension and Logical Reasoning both demand fast, precise reading of dense academic English. Building your reading speed and familiarity with argument structure in English is the highest-leverage preparation. Budget more time, most non-native speakers benefit from 4–6 months of focused study.
3. Scoring explained
| Score range | Median score | Score delivery | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120–180 | ~150–152 | ~3 weeks after test date | 5 years |
Your score is based only on the three scored multiple-choice sections. There is no penalty for wrong answers, answer every question. The unscored experimental section does not affect your score.
What scores do top law schools expect?
| Score range | Percentile | Competitive for |
|---|---|---|
| 174–180 | 99th+ | Yale, Harvard, Stanford (T3) |
| 170–173 | 97–99th | Columbia, Chicago, NYU (T6–T14) |
| 165–169 | 90–96th | Top 20 law schools |
| 160–164 | 80–89th | Top 30–50 law schools |
| 155–159 | 64–78th | Top 50–100 law schools |
| 150–154 | 44–62nd | Regional law schools |
Score Preview and cancellation
LSAC offers a Score Preview option that lets you see your score before deciding whether to keep it or cancel it. This costs $45 if purchased before your test, or $85 after. If you cancel a score, it still counts toward your attempt limits but is not reported to schools.
You have 6 days after score release to cancel your score. Most law schools today use your highest score, making cancellation less important than it used to be, but check each school's policy.
4. What top law schools require
The LSAT is required by virtually all ABA-approved law schools in the US and Canada. A small number of schools also accept the GRE as an alternative, but the LSAT remains the dominant standard.
| Law School | Median LSAT | GRE accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Yale Law School | 174 | Yes |
| Harvard Law School | 174 | Yes |
| Stanford Law School | 174 | Yes |
| Columbia Law School | 174 | Yes |
| University of Chicago Law | 173 | Yes |
| NYU School of Law | 173 | Yes |
Credential Assembly Service (CAS): Almost all ABA-approved law schools require you to register with LSAC's CAS ($215, valid for 5 years). CAS compiles your transcripts, LSAT scores, and letters of recommendation into a single report sent to each school. Budget this cost alongside your LSAT registration fee.
5. Test dates and scheduling
The LSAT is offered 7–8 times per year, not year-round like the GRE or GMAT. Check lsac.org for the official schedule, registration typically opens 4–6 months before each test date and closes approximately 6 weeks before.
| Typical test months | Score release (~3 weeks later) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| January | Late January | Late-cycle applicants; retakers |
| February | Late February | Late-cycle applicants |
| April | Late April | Early prep for fall cycle |
| June | Late June | First attempt for fall applicants |
| August | Late August | Strong option for fall cycle |
| September / October | October / November | Fall cycle, last good window |
| November | December | Tight but possible for January deadlines |
You must wait until scores are released before taking the LSAT again, you cannot retake before your previous results are out. Registration deadlines are strict; late registration carries an additional $50 fee.
Starting August 2026: LSAC is transitioning most US administrations to in-person test centers only. Online remote proctoring options are being reduced. International test dates and formats may differ, always verify on lsac.org.
6. Planning around your application deadline
The rule of thumb: Take the LSAT by October for fall admission the following year. This gives you time to retake in November if needed, and still submit applications before most December/January deadlines. Earlier is always better.
Know your law school deadlines
Most law schools use rolling admissions, earlier applications get more scholarship consideration. December and January are common deadlines, but strong applicants apply in October–November.
Allow 3–6 months for preparation
Most successful test-takers study 3–6 months. Non-native English speakers often need closer to 6 months, with extra focus on reading speed and argument structure in English.
Account for score delivery
Scores release approximately 3 weeks after your test date. In rolling admissions, later scores mean later review, don't cut it close.
Leave room for a retake
You must wait until your score is released before registering for the next LSAT. Plan your first attempt early enough to retake once if needed.
Complete the writing component early
LSAT Argumentative Writing opens before your test date, complete it as soon as it's available so it doesn't delay your score release to schools.
| Application goal | Latest test date | Ideal first attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Fall admission (early) | October | June – August |
| Fall admission (regular) | November | August – September |
| Fall admission (late) | January / February | November |
7. Cost and registration
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| LSAT registration (includes writing) | $248 USD |
| Late registration | +$50 |
| Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | $215 (5-year subscription) |
| CAS report sent to each law school | $45 per school |
| Score Preview (before test) | $45 |
| Score Preview (after test) | $85 |
| Test date change (before deadline) | Free |
| Test date change (after deadline) | Fee applies |
Fee waivers available. LSAC offers fee waivers for financially under-resourced candidates, free to apply for, and if approved, can cover up to two free LSAT attempts and CAS. Apply early at lsac.org.
How to register
- Create an account at lsac.org.
- Select your test date and format (test center or remote, where available).
- Complete your profile and upload a valid photo ID.
- Pay the registration fee. Register early, slots fill up fast, especially in peak months.
- Register for CAS separately if you haven't already, most schools require it.
- Complete LSAT Argumentative Writing online as soon as it opens for your administration.
8. Prep resources: official and third-party
Official LSAC resources
Official · Free
LSAC Official LSAT Prep
Free practice questions and a free full-length practice test from LSAC. The most authentic practice available, start here.
Official · Free+Paid
LSAC LawHub
LSAC's official practice platform. Includes a free tier with full-length PrepTests, and a paid Advantage subscription with more tests and analytics.
Third-party prep resources
Paid
7Sage LSAT
The most popular self-study LSAT course. Video explanations for every PrepTest question ever released. Highly regarded for Logical Reasoning instruction and analytics.
Paid
PowerScore LSAT
Well-known for its LSAT Bible series. Strong on teaching the structural approach to Logical Reasoning. Popular with students who prefer a methodical framework.
Paid
Manhattan Prep LSAT
Comprehensive courses and tutoring. Good for students who want live instruction alongside self-study materials.
Free
r/LSAT (Reddit)
Active community with study plans, score reports, and resource recommendations from recent test-takers. Useful for staying current on format changes and test-day experience.
Free
r/lawschooladmissions (Reddit)
The main community for law school applicants. LSAT score reports, school-specific data, and application strategy from current cycle applicants.
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